2012 Lynch Bages
By Chateau Lynch Bages
2012 Lynch Bages from Chateau Lynch Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2012 Lynch Bages from Chateau Lynch Bages offers wine investors a particularly intriguing option, capturing the essence of a Bordeaux year that required thoughtful winemaking and vision. Navigating through a dynamic growing season, the Chateau's adept touch yielded a wine of distinguished quality that merits close consideration.
The Quintessence of Pauillac in 2012
While 2012 did not enjoy the uniform praise of its immediate forebears, there was both skill and fortune afoot at Chateau Lynch Bages. A warm spring led to an early flowering, succeeded by an equally mercurial summer. An autumnal grace period afforded the region the chance to harvest under serendipitous skies. The resulting selection from Lynch Bages is graced with depth, though displaying a slightly more reserved structure than other vintages.
The 2012 Lynch Bages conjures notes of cassis and black cherry alongside earthy undertones and a subtle cedar veil. These characteristics, aged nobly in oak, bring forth Pauillac’s famed muscular tannins with an approachable edge – true finesse indeed. Sturdy yet supple, it is a testament to vineyard and château synchronicity.
A Connoisseur's Read on Investment Potential
Forfinanced focus within one's fine wine portfolio, the 2012 Lynch Bages posits an attractive proposition. It is a vintage that glides over the palate with elegant gravitas while promising to unfurl with compounded complexity over time. One might contend that as this vintage rests and matures, its story will mirror that of the astute investor: nuanced, discerning, and ultimately rewarding.
Both at reception and today, one discerns that among peers within Pauillac itself, the 2012 Lynch Bages remains one of unparalleled poise. It signifies Chateau Lynch Bages' familiar refrain - quality - harmonised distinctly with the idiosyncrasies of its vintage narrative. An opulent choice for those seeking to enrich their cellars.
In summation, one finds in this offering from Chateau Lynch Bages an embodiment of the resilience and adaptive craftsmanship of Bordeaux’s vintners against the vagaries of nature. The 2012 Lynch Bages stands as a compelling chapter in the ongoing saga of fine wine investment – a tale woven with threads of vibrant fruit, subtle spice, evolving depth, and astute vinicultural stewardship.
Market price (USD)
$1,115.81
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
65.29
Scores and tasting notes
A fruity wine for the vintage with dense tannins. Full body, with impressive structure. Long finish. Generous and attractive. I like the balance and precision for the vintage
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2013`
Tasted en primeur at the chateau. The Lynch Bages 2012 is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked between 12th and 18th October and is being raised in 75% new oak just before the rains. It has a very attractive bouquet with crisp blackberry, sous-bois and graphite aromas that are very controlled. No frills here, but it does not need them. The palate is medium-bodied with taut tannins and again, crisp acidity. I like the line here – nicely focused with a grainy finish. Very fine. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
Some of Lynch Bages's tell-tale cedary, black currant, earth and spice characteristics are present in the 2012's moderately intense bouquet. This wine exhibits good purity, a healthy dark ruby/purple color and medium body. There is a slight deficiency in the mid-palate, but it recovers sufficiently and offers up a decent finish that tails off ever so slightly. This good to excellent wine could use more fat and charm in the mid-section. Cellar it for a couple of years and drink it over the following 12-14 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206
The 2012 Lynch-Bages is deep ruby/purple with tell-tale cassis notes. Medium-bodied, but somewhat foursquare and monolithic, it has well above average concentration, impressive purity and nicely integrated tannins and wood. Nevertheless, there is something bland and one-dimensional about Lynch-Bages in 2012, making it somewhat of a disappointment. Drink it over the next 12-15 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2015